This archive report was first published on 9 September 2019.
On a 13-acre site in Nanyuki, a different kind of transformation is underway. Francis Githui, an environment crusader, has taken it upon himself to reclaim the dumpsite and turn it into a recycling hub.
Since kicking off the initiative four months ago, Githui has managed to segregate about four tonnes of waste by sorting different waste and recycling them to make various products. His goal is to reduce the amount of waste piling at the site and the area where garbage collectors dump the waste, leaving the remaining area for sorting and recycling.
At the dumpsite, Githui and his team of 10 people sort through the waste, separating it into different categories. They use a fabricated crusher to dismantle liquor bottles into fine particles, which are then melted and mixed with the crashed bottle particles to create cabros and granite floor tiles.
But Githui's vision goes beyond just recycling. He wants to create a sustainable ecosystem where waste is turned into wealth. To achieve this, he has set up 30 tree nurseries beds at the dumpsite, where he grows indigenous trees and fruit trees, including avocado. The seedlings are then distributed to schools and homes for planting upon maturity.
Other tree seedlings planted at the nurseries include 1,000 bamboos, 500 merbly seedlings, and 6,000 guava fruit tree seedlings. The bamboo and indigenous trees will be planted on the riparian, while the fruit trees will be distributed to primary and secondary schools, churches, and anyone willing to plant them in their homes.
Vehicle tyres dumped at the site are used as tower gardens for planting vegetables. Githui believes that nothing goes to waste at the dumpsite, as he has a way of recycling them to make products.
“My plan is to reduce the amount of waste piling here and reduce the area where garbage collectors dump the waste and the remaining area will be left for sorting and recycling,” Githui said.
Going forward, Githui will consider himself successful when the Nanyuki dumpsite transforms into a recovery center and restores the town's green image.
